Category Archives: Totally Byassee’d

by Jason Byassee “So are we not having a bulletin anymore?” This is the kindest version of this anxious question I’ve gotten. The most hostile was from my seven-year old: “Ever since we unveiled this logo you won’t snuggle with … Continue reading →

by Jason Byassee A friend of mine was a pastor in Montreal. He was in his office one day when a limousine rolled in and an entourage stepped out. It was Rod Stewart. He and his friends asked, “Can we … Continue reading →

by Jason Byassee Several of you have asked about the trips I have taken with folks from Boone Methodist. I’m delighted to share a little. I believe deeply in the Christian practice of pilgrimage—that is, traveling together to meet God. … Continue reading →

by Jason Byassee I’ve never liked the bumper sticker, “God kissed the earth and called it Boone.” Don’t get me wrong—I love Boone. But the slogan undoes one of my favorite traits of North Carolinians: we’re humble. Wataugans included! But … Continue reading →

by Jason Byassee As I write I’m getting ready to be a pilgrim to Israel with a half dozen of y’all from October 21-31. The children prayed for us Sunday and off we go to walk where Jesus did. We … Continue reading →

by Jason Byassee I’m grateful for several sightings of life abundant in our midst lately. I spent time with a young woman recently who has felt rejected by other churches. She has been homeless at times after a heart-breakingly difficult … Continue reading →

by Jason Byassee Do you remember the pattern of a new semester? Everything is fresh—new teachers, new subjects, new books, new routine. If you’re a nerd, like me (and not a few others among us in this academic town) all … Continue reading →

by Jason Byassee You know how ministers in movies begin every wedding by addressing the congregation as “dearly beloved”? (we don’t do this in Methodist liturgies, but bear with me). That’s actually an ancient church practice of addressing all who … Continue reading →

by Jason Byassee The church is one of the only places in culture where people of multiple generations make our lives together. This is the way God wants it. Augustine addresses God in prayer this way: “Beauty ever ancient, ever … Continue reading →

by Jason Byassee One thing Pentecost means is that the Holy Spirit enables all of us to be like Jesus. We are like the disciples on our own: betrayers, deniers, those who flee. Then the Spirit breathes life into us … Continue reading →